Try These Four Favorite Wines With Venison

The editors of Petersen's HUNTING pick their four favorite wines to pair with venison (including one white).

When picking a perfect wine to go with venison, there are some guidelines worth following. Rich reds, heavy in smoke and spice, work well, as do fruit-forward wines from America's West Coast. Like any rules, however, these are made to be broken, which is why a white wine also makes this list of our current favorite wines for wild game.

ADELSHEIM WILLAMETTE VALLEY PINOT NOIR 2014 ($32)'¨

Ripe cherries and a hint of spice come together in America's answer to the Burgundy. Just bold enough to complement heartier dishes like a braised shank or classic stew.

MULLAN ROAD CELLARS'¨RED WINE BLEND 2013 ($42)'¨

Heavy in overripe fruits and touched with a bit of charred wood, this domestic take on an Old World blend pairs perfectly with grilled steaks or smoked roasts from older bucks.

CAKEBREAD CELLARS '¨SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 ($30)

Despite the admonition of stuffy sommeliers, it's not sacrilege to skip the reds in favor of a fruity white. Match this one, with notes of melon and apple, with fresh tenderloins served over a bright vegetable sauté.

CHATEAU PÉRICOU'¨ BORDEAUX 2010 ($13)'¨

Six years from the cask, this classic French red is a little light in body with a dry finish. Be sure to splash a little into the pan as well for a stellar sauce.